The wait is finally over for that tobacco-scented slice of life. The official site for Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You dropped the first promo and a fresh visual this Friday, confirming a July premiere on TBS and 27 other networks.
Asahi Production is holding the reins, and the casting is a masterclass in contrast. Takuya Sato, the voice behind Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli and Albert James Moriarty, steps into the weary shoes of Sasaki. He’s joined by Seena Hoshiki—famous for Riamu Yumemi and Mimimi Nanami—who voices the enigmatic Yamada/Tayama. This isn’t just a random pairing; it’s a calculated move to anchor the mundane corporate fatigue with heavyweight vocal talent.
The Setup
Here’s the setup: Sasaki is a middle-aged corporate drone drowning in work, finding solace only in nicotine and the smile of a supermarket clerk.
When he misses the clerk’s shift, he stumbles upon a girl in a biker jacket named Tayama, who drags him to a secret smoking area behind the store. It’s a premise that thrives on atmosphere, stripping away high-stakes drama for a mature, comforting vibe that snagged eighth place in the 2023 Taisho Manga Awards.
Origin and Tone
Originating from Jinushi on X in 2022 before moving to Square Enix’s Big Gangan, the series builds its momentum through quiet moments rather than explosive twists.
The production team is banking on the chemistry between a tired salaryman and a rebellious youth to carry the season. With the source material’s acclaim for its tone, the adaptation needs to nail that specific blend of melancholy and warmth.
If the pacing can match the slow burn of a cigarette break, this could be the dark horse of the summer. Are you ready to inhale?
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